The suspect killed in the firing incident that took place near the White House in Washington DC on Saturday evening has been identified as 21-year-old Nasir Best. According to American media reports, Maryland resident Nasir Best had a history of mental health problems and had come in contact with the United States Secret Service several times before. He considered himself Jesus.
According to the Secret Service, the incident occurred near the White House security cordon at around 6 pm (local time) on Saturday evening. Officials say that the suspect approached the security post carrying a bag and suddenly took out a weapon from the bag and started firing towards the officers stationed there. After this, Secret Service officers immediately responded, in which the suspect was seriously injured. Later he died during treatment in the hospital.
Was anyone harmed in the firing?
During the incident, a passerby also came under fire. However, officials have not yet clarified whether he was injured by the suspect’s bullet or during retaliatory firing. US President Donald Trump was present inside the White House at the time of the incident. Officials said that the President was not harmed in this incident.
What has been the history of Nasser?
According to American media reports, Nasir Best had already come in contact with Secret Service officials several times. According to a Fox News report, Best was taken into custody on June 26, 2025, when he allegedly threatened Secret Service agents. After this, on July 10, 2025, he was detained again on charges of entering a restricted area.
The New York Post, quoting sources, claimed that Best was mentally disturbed and allegedly believed himself to be “Jesus Christ.” The report also said that he had violated a court order to stay away from the White House complex.
Have you tried to enter the White House before?
BNO News report claimed that Nasir Best had tried to enter the White House last year also. However, officials have not yet shared any official information regarding the motive behind the firing. Investigation of the matter is ongoing.
How did the whole incident happen?
- According to the Associated Press, the shooting occurred near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, a block away from the White House.
- Journalists present at the White House said that they suddenly heard several gunshots, after which they were immediately instructed to take shelter inside the press briefing room.
- The Secret Service later said the suspect approached a security checkpoint, took a weapon out of his bag and began firing at officers. In response the officers also opened fire.
- According to the report of Associated Press, it is not yet clear from whose direction the bullet hit the injured pedestrian.
- According to AFP report, there was chaos around the White House complex after the firing. Canadian tourist Reed Adrian told the news agency that he heard “20 to 25 explosions”, which he initially thought were firecrackers but later discovered were gunshots.
- ABC News correspondent Selina Wang was recording social media video at the White House complex when the shooting started. According to AFP, journalists present on the White House North Lawn were instructed to immediately run and take shelter in the press briefing room.
This incident has happened at a time when many serious incidents regarding the security of President Trump have come to light in recent months. Earlier in April, during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a case of alleged conspiracy to attack Trump came to light. In 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, there was also an incident of Trump getting shot in his ear.
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